How did he do that?
Monday 23 July 2012
Blazing Saddles
While Bradley Wiggins was winning the Tour de France in Paris I was furiously pedalling across the mighty hills of Cambridgeshire, only getting off when I ran out of puff or felt the urge to take a photo. Don't scoff! I'll have you know that when I was in my prime I once ascended one of the steepest climbs in the Pyrenees - and the bus only just made it!
But the bike is a wonderful way of getting about if you're not in too much hurry. It's an incredibly energy-efficient means of locomotion, the physics of which I find totally baffling. And it doesn't leave a filthy great carbon-footprint either. It also comes with a built-in breeze to cool you down as you go.
After the recent rains there were still a few puddles to negotiate though I was amazed at how quickly summer has resumed after last week's downpours. Only seven days ago I had to cycle home by a different route as there were floods closing the road between work and my house.
But today I encountered some rather belated hay-making. It's called "making-hay-while-the-sun-shines".
In a farmyard stood this magnificent relic from the past and, a little further along, what appeared to be a horse with dreadlocks!
It turned out to be a device to keep the flies away from the animal's eyes. Pity - I rather liked the idea of a Rastafarian horse. You just don't see these things, or have time for such idiotic musings, unless you're on a bike.
The barley was already looking golden and made me realise that it is July, even if we don't seem to have had any summer weather yet. Time to throw the bike down on the grass and get arty...
That's what you get if you set the self-timer, turn the flash on and lay the camera down among the crop. It'll be time for harvest before you know it. Now I really must get on with this bike ride.
You get time to notice the wildflowers and even the insects as you tootle along on a bicycle.
And you investigate places where there are signs saying "No Through Road" and "Road Unsuitable For Vehicular Traffic" - maybe, but not unsuitable for pedal power.
So I pedalled on through the evening sunshine and the golden glow of the ripening grain, taking in intimate details and distant horizons, feeling more fit and free with every rotation of my ageing legs. OK, I won't be in the Tour de France any time soon but this little tour is good enough for me.
Take care.
Another delightful and entertaining series John. Congrats on your Pyreneean (?) achievement of yesteryear - I bet that trip produced some magnificent scenery. Love the shot of the bee and looking skyward through the crop. Did you use a self-timer on the opening shot? Wishing you a fabulous week.
ReplyDelete…yes I know that 'making hay' quotation well too. I've been meaning to try that self-timing process with the camera on it's back like you do John; neat capture. Lovely setting where the thatched-roof home sits right on the roadway. Well done with your maintaining ultimate fitness with your regular bike rides.
ReplyDeleteThat little tour was good enough for me also John! What a brilliant post! Love all of the images and text, you are so observant!
ReplyDeleteps: I hope your legs aren't too weary today. :-)
Nice! I like the shot through the grain too. Your legs must be in very good shape!
ReplyDeleteHaha! The Rastafarian horse concept is mind-blowing!! But you never did explain the 'Blazing Saddles' connection!!!!
ReplyDeleteHow DID he do that?
ReplyDeleteNice collection--envy that you have so many places to roam on bike and foot--not many here--Just lots of traffic and highways--nice to see those blue skies!
ReplyDeletegrain photo is neat!
Your cycling themed post gave me fodder for a couple of upcoming posts for myself. Thanks as I am always looking for inspiration. I especially like that final shadow shot. Well done John
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures as usual. I notice in one of them you appear to be actually in the cornfield - I do hope this isn't a direct consequence of trying to take photos while cycling.
ReplyDeleteOh dear John and I pictured you lying down in that cornfield resting in the glorious sunshine. Lovely pics though.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking us along for the ride - lots to see, great photos!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Wayfaring Stranger - How DID he do that? My English aunt was still riding her bike at 92,(must be something in the English air) so you probably have lots of enjoyable rides ahead of you. And yes, quiet and no pollution. As always, many wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteAnother of your extraordinary posts, John. I agree completely with you about bikes, but I always seem to be in such a hurry that the bike stays in the garage growing spiderwebs while I dash off in one of those big four-wheeled monsters. But, I promise to try to remember to use the bike this week.
ReplyDeleteBy my eyes, this was a great biking tour John, all done in your inimitable style! Love your humorous point of view along your ride :^) The surface-level crop shot is fantastic!
ReplyDeletereally enjoyed the ride! and the musings, of course!
ReplyDeleteI used to bike a bit as a boy, but sadly not now. When I see what you have here (love the old relic!!!) I see that I should have continued.
ReplyDeleteThe dry grass and the hut. Your journey is certainly very interesting
ReplyDeleteI like walking for much the same reason, but you get there faster on a bike and so in some senses see more. I saw hay-making today too, not as picturesque as yours though.
ReplyDelete